White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)

Conservation Status

Endangered (EN)

Physical Description

A prehistoric grey armoured beast, the white rhino is truly an African plains warrior. Fitted with a flat, square upper lip and a singular upper hump on its back as well as two large keratin horns on the end of its nose.
Weight Around 2,000 kg
Size 1.7 – 1.8 m
Lifespan (wild) 40
Lifespan (captivity) 50

Behaviors

Males are aggressive for two purposes, protecting their territory against intruders and competing over females. Males will often fight to the death during mating season and inflict devastating wounds with their horns.

Social and Reproduction

The social structure of the White rhino is complex. Herds of up to 14 individuals may gather, often as a means of protecting young calves. Adult males roam their territories and defend their herds of nursing females, protecting their legacy of young.

Mating System Polygamy (Polgyny)
Breeding interval 2 - 3 years
Breeding season Oct - Dec
Gestation 16 - 18 months
Number of offspring 1

Habitat and Food

Habitat

White Rhinos primarily inhabit grassy savannahs where grazing conditions are prime.

Food

White Rhinos use their square lip to feed almost exclusively on short savannah grasses.

Predators

Rhinos are no easy meal for predators and are not often targeted by carnivores. Their thick hide makes them prey to only lions and humans. Human’s target rhinos for their horns and skin, which is inaccurately sold for its medicinal qualities.

Conservation Challenges

Rhinos have become victims of organized crime

In the wild, the adult white rhino has no predators except for humans. Rhinos are hunted and killed for their horns. The major demand for rhino horn is in Asia, where it is used in ornamental carvings and traditional medicine. Rhino horn is touted as a cure for hangovers, cancer, and impotence.  Their horns are not true horns; they are actually made of keratin—the same material that makes up our hair and nails. Truly, rhino horn is as effective at curing cancer as chewing on your fingernails.

Habitat loss is also a major threat to rhinos

As human populations rise and cities grow, logging, agriculture, roads, and settlements destroy rhino habitats.

Naankuse Solutions

Naankuse works to preserve habitat across Namibia so that animals like the Rhino can roam freely in their natural habitat. We do not currently have any Rhino’s on any of our sites.

Volunteer

Support our conservation activity and whilst White Rhinoceros are not at Naankuse you can sure they are nearby and other animals need your help.
Come Help Us

White Rhinoceros at Naankuse sites